One of the longest surviving medieval rituals in England, the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance has been performed in a village in Staffordshire since 1226. Horn Dance Ritual The folk dance consists of six deer dancers, a fool, a bowman, a hobby horse and Maid Marian – all played by men, including the fair maiden. They dance to music played on a melodeon, which is a form of accordion, around the village of Abbots Bromley, as well as nearby farms and most importantly pubs. Abbots Bromley Horn Dance History It was first performed at the Barthelmy Fair in 1226. Then six costumed men would dance carrying reindeer antlers around the village accompanied to Abbots Bromley Horn Dance music. Abbots Bromley Horn Dance Dates? In 2026, it will fall on 7 September. Abbots Bromley Horn Dance Abbots Bromley Horn Dance Timetable As befits such an occasion, preparations for the Horn Dance start early, around 7am at St Nicholas Church. After a blessing the procession sets off at 8am, always adopting the same 10-mile circuit around the village and its surrounds. Stalls selling local crafts as well as exhibitions will be on display at the village green and church. The dancers return to the church sometime about 8.30pm. There will be off-road parking around the village, although special parking restrictions will be in place on the day. Apparently the dance has only once been cancelled. That was some time in the 1920s when the musician was ill, and a dancer died. Abbots Bromley Horn Dance September 2019, photo Dan Rendell Things to Do in Abbots Bromley and Surrounds The village of Abbots Bromley is pleasant in itself, with an ancient church and half-timbered houses that are typical of the area. The Goat’s Head, a 16th-century pub in the village – and one of the venues for the dance – has a room named after Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman. He is alleged to have stayed here after stealing his horse Black Bess from the nearby horse fair at Rugeley. Whilst in the area, make sure you pop into see Lichfield Cathedral and the National Memorial Arboretum , two of the most underrated attractions in the country. Further details of the Horn Dance Abbots Bromley To discover all you need to know about the Horn Dance Abbots Bromley, click here . For things to do in Staffordshire Click here visit .

Description supplied by the event organiser.